Economic Development Forum

The Chamber's Economic Development Committee hears and discusses issues related to Oakland’s economy monthly at the Economic Development Forum. Typically the Committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month in the Chamber Board Room at 3pm. The Forum is open to all Chamber members and interested guests. At least one day prior to the Economic Development Forum, please send a request for a guest pass via email.

Forum Schedule

The Forum typically hears informational presentations or hosts panel discussions on hot topics such as the redesign of the Lake Merritt BART station area, local zoning and other regulatory changes such as the Reauthorization of Measure B. City planning, building, and economic development officials are frequently invited to meet with the group making it is a unique opportunity to better understand city and county economic development efforts and to engage productively with civic leaders on a range of economic issues.

In 2012, the Economic Development Forum will explore the motto: Oakland is a great place to LIVE, WORK, and PLAY. Each session's topic will expand on the theme of "Live"  “Work” or "Play" in Oakland and the East Bay.

2012 Schedule

January 11 (Live)      Transportation: A conversation with BART’s new General Manager | with Grace Crunican, General Manager for BART

February 8 (Work)    Corporate Social Responsibility | Stimulating Workforce Development though Partnerships

with Solomon Belette, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of the East Bay and Heather Kulp, Chevron

March 14 (Play)           The Economic Value of our East Bay Regional Parks

with (panel discussion)

Carol Johnson, AGM Public Affairs – Healthy Parks Healthy People

Mike Anderson, AGM – Environmental Issues/Master Plan Survey

John Swanson, Assistance Fire Chief – Fire (Fuels Management)

Rick Parmer, Chief of Interpretive Services – Environmental Education

Moderated by:

Erich Pfuehler, Legislative Manager – Legislative Advocacy

April 11 (Live)  Update on Plan Bay Area: A Regional Land Use and Transportation Plan to 2040 and Checking in on the Federal Transportation Bill Reauthorization Process - Where are we now?

with Doug Johnson, MTC and Shannon Tracey, Transportation For America 

May 4  Special Half Day Program | The third in the Chamber's MegaRegion event series entitled:  "Oakland: Heart of the MegaRegion." CLICK HERE for more details.

June 13 (Work)  The Pop Up ‘Hood: Micro Enterprise and Lessons Learned in Old Oakland  

with popuphood co-founders Alfonso Dominguez + Sarah Filley    

July 11  (Play)  The Urban Agriculture Movement | Urban Farming + Bio Diesel Recycling 

with Josiah Adams Sirona Fuels (Bio Diesel) 

No August Forum Scheduled (Vacation)      

September 12  (Work)  Energy and Your Business: Coming Regulatory Changes from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) 

October 10   (Play)   Oakland's Sport Venues: Team Retention & Attraction

November 13  (Live)    Waste Contracts in Oakland: Choices for Businesses

with Miriam Gordon, the California Director of Clean Water Action

December 12                Holiday Forum Event: TBD

CLICK HERE for an updated listing of Upcoming ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM Programs.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Economic Development Forum email announcement list.

CLICK HERE If you are interested in presenting content at a future Economic Development Forum.